Lowry takes 4-shot lead into The Open final round hoping to banish bad memories

Shane Lowry has taken a four-shot lead into the final day of a major before, but says he is ready to get over the line at The Open on Sunday where he failed in the past.

The Irishman was four strokes clear going into the final day of the 2016 US Open but hit a round of 76 on the Sunday to leave him tied for second place.

The 32-year-old went round Portrush in just 63 shots on Saturday, giving himself a four-shot advantage in Northern Ireland on 16-under, and he does not think he will squander the advantage again.

‘I hope I’m going to be able to deal with it better,’ Lowry told Sky Sports. ‘It’s going to be difficult, I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m ready for it, hopefully I’m ready for it.’

Lowry has been in the mix all week having gone round in 67 on Thursday and Friday before stepping up his game in front of a passionate Irish crowd on Saturday.

His supporters helped the Irishman to the stunning round, which saw him hit eight birdies and nothing over par, and he can’t wait to get back out in front of them again.

‘My mind’s a bit fuzzy I just really enjoyed today,’ said Lowry. ‘Obviosuly I played great golf, the crowd were incredible and I just felt so comfortable out there, I’m hoping I feel that comfortable out there tomorrow.

‘I have a tough 24 hours in front of me but there’s nowhere I’d rather be. I’ve got a four shot lead at the Open Championship in Ireland, tomorrow’s going to be incredible whatever happens.

‘I just felt so in control of my game and there are very few times as a golfer you get in that position and it’s just great when it happens

‘It’s been incredible, every time I get a ball I just want to hole it to get that roar again. I said to Bo [caddy Brian Martin] walking off the 17th tee, “the next half an hour we might not experience anything like it again so let’s enjoy it” and that’s what I did.

‘It all happened nicely today, I don’t even know what to say, it was one of the most incredible days of my life.’

Lowry is four shots clear of England’s Tommy Fleetwood who went round in 66 on Saturday to put himself 12-under.

The Ryder Cup star told Sky Sports: ‘It’s going to be a big atmosphere tomorrow, for sure and I’m going to be in the last group and part of that.

‘I’ve just got to focus on me and just do my thing. It’s going to be a massive, massive challenge tomorrow to just focus on my own game and stay in the moment and stay in the present.

‘That’s what it’s all about and I’m really looking forward to it.’

Previous leader JB Holmes is two shots behind Fleetwood, with Brooks Koepka and Justin Rose lurking ominously on nine-under.

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